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Posted on Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 2:28 p.m.

Downtown Ann Arbor parking rates and enforcement hours likely to change with DDA in power

By Ryan J. Stanton

Visitors to downtown Ann Arbor should prepare to see increases in parking rates and enforcement hours now that the Downtown Development Authority has the sole power to call the shots.

DDA Chairwoman Joan Lowenstein and board member Roger Hewitt described the planned changes Tuesday night as the Ann Arbor City Council approved an agreement that turned all parking management over to the DDA through at least 2022.

Under the new agreement approved unanimously, council members no longer can veto those types of decisions about the city's public parking system.

The reason the DDA sought the change, Hewitt said, is that the current method of allowing council to veto DDA decisions worked well when there were only three rates: one for on-street parking, one for parking lots, and one for parking structures.

The Ann Arbor DDA has a plan to activate the downtown by implementing a new demand management plan that includes restructuring parking rates and hours of enforcement.

But the rates are about to get "extremely complex" as the DDA starts a new demand management strategy that could include restructuring parking rates and hours of enforcement, Hewitt said.

"We're going to be moving to a parking demand management system where there will be multiple rates based on geography, time of day, a number of different factors," he said.

For example, the core of downtown probably will have higher meter rates than the fringes of downtown, Hewitt said. Also, there may be higher rates during prime parking hours in the middle of the day and lower rates in the evening, as well as discounted rates for parking spots on the tops of parking structures, with more expensive spots at the lower levels.

"So we're going to a much more complex system, and the system is going to be very integrated and very dependent on every part of the system," Hewitt said.

Multiple council members expressed concerns Tuesday night about relinquishing parking decision-making power to the DDA, an unelected body appointed by the mayor.

But ultimately they decided the city had little choice — the DDA sought those terms as part of a new contract that includes transferring 17 percent of parking revenues to the city for at least 11 years. That amounts to nearly $2.7 million next year, and as some council members observed, the city needs that money to maintain basic services like police and fire.

"A good negotiation should leave both sides feeling like they've been beaten up pretty well, and I think this one did that," said Council Member Carsten Hohnke, D-5th Ward (download the agreement).

Hohnke noted the DDA was under no obligation to share an additional dime with the city after the city tapped dry — five years early — the $10 million in parking revenue the previous contract running through 2015 called for. The fact that the DDA went from a contractual obligation of zero to 17 percent is "very significant," he said.

The DDA put out a comprehensive plan for managing the downtown parking system last spring that discussed extending the hours of enforcement to 9 p.m., with the tradeoff of a free hour of parking from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. But the idea never gained political support from council members who, unlike DDA board members, have to answer to voters for their decisions.

Council Member Sandi Smith, D-1st Ward and a DDA board member, said she liked the transfer of powers to the DDA because it helps ensure election year politics don't drive decisions about the city's parking system.

Under the new agreement, the city maintains responsibility for enforcement of parking regulations and collection of fines. The city will alter or extend the hours of parking enforcement at the DDA's request — but only within the limits determined by labor contracts, available staffing and other applicable contractual or mutual aid agreements.

Hewitt noted the new agreement mandates a joint working session of the DDA and City Council every fall where decisions about the parking system will be discussed. He said the DDA also will regularly seek public input and won't push forward with any changes that hurt downtown.

"We're here to help downtown," Hewitt said. "And if everyone is telling us this is something that's really bad for downtown, we'd be really stupid not to listen."

Joan Lowenstein

Lowenstein said the next step is to hold a joint working session in October. She said there already are parking rate increases voted on previously that will take effect in the future, but other changes geared toward activating the downtown will be discussed then.

"There probably won't be much that people will notice that's different because everything we do will be very gradual," she said, adding the DDA likely will launch a pilot project sometime after Jan. 1 to see how evening enforcement of meters works before it's fully implemented.

"There's gong to be a lot more consultation with the public than there has been in the past," she added. "So I think it'll be something the public knows about before it happens."

Council Member Sabra Briere, D-1st Ward, proposed an amendment to the parking agreement Tuesday night that would have required all decisions about parking rates and hours to come before the City Council for approval, but it didn't win support.

Council Member Stephen Kunselman, D-3rd Ward, intended to bring forward a proposal of his own to take control of the parking system away from the DDA altogether, but realizing it didn't have support, he didn't bring it up.

It costs $1.20 an hour to park at a metered spot downtown between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Parking is free on evenings, Sundays and all federal holidays.

Comments

snapshot

Fri, Jun 3, 2011 : 4:32 a.m.

A sad day for democracy in Ann Arbor. Maybe Government and Civics teachers can use this as an example of a bureacratic incompetance. The DDA was created because elected official neglected their duties. The DDA put things in order but started operating as a &quot;profit&quot; center. Now they have free rein to function in their own best interest. A sad day indeed. And Sandi Smith gets to play on both sides of the fence. Civics and Government teachers what do you say?

leaguebus

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 9:46 p.m.

The council is missing the boat, turn the parking machines into slot machines. Put in a couple of bucks , pull the lever and see how long you get to park. Maybe ten minutes, maybe all night, or free for a week. This is just a little change from how it will be when the DDA smart rates start. We could make millions.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 8:45 p.m.

Let's be clear about this:
According to the DDA's 2010-11 budget, it is expected that the downtown parking will put $8.6 million in the DDA's coffers AFTER expenses.
Source: <a href="http://www.a2dda.org/downloads/AboutUS/DDABudget_2010_11.pdf" rel='nofollow'>http://www.a2dda.org/downloads/AboutUS/DDABudget_2010_11.pdf</a>
And parking rates need to go up?
Why?
This is one Ann Arborite who will NOT be going downtown until the DDA is dissolved.
Time to dissolve this unelected and unaccountable entity.
Good Night and Good Luck

Will Warner

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 11:04 p.m.

Ghost, I was so hoping to run into you at Taste of Ann Arbor downtown this weekend...

Karma21

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 6:52 p.m.

Good idea! Please penalize us more for going downtown and spending money at local establishments instead of going to easily assessable chain restaurants and stores were the money leaves our state nary to return.

Steph B

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 6:45 p.m.

About to move to the beautiful city of Ann Arbor, I am both disappointed yet encouraged. Disappointed and frustrated with the contents of this article, but encouraged by the comments of the informed and passionate citizens via your comments. At least I know my husband and I will be in good company...as we go broke for parking!

DAN

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 4:52 p.m.

I am opposed to charging parking fees after 6:00 p.m or on Sundays. The city council has given TOO MUCH authority to the DDA!

simply amazed

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 2:54 p.m.

Looks like it's time to seriously start looking for office space outside of downtown since riding a bike to work is not an option for most of the team. Unfortunately for building owners/landlords, I suspect they'll have an even more difficult time filling that vacant space once the prospective tenant finds out what their real cost of doing business is in downtown. And such a pity as working downtown is so enjoyable. However, it just can't take precedence over personnel's ability to afford to work downtown and provide a reasonable livelihood for their families. No hard feelings DDA. You'll do what you have to do despite the 47 negative comments and 1 supportive comment on this blog. And we'll do what we have to do to maintain a healthy, viable company that looks out for the well being of their team. Everything happens for a reason. I guess we found that reason. Thanks.

Brad

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 2:03 p.m.

&quot;A good negotiation should leave both sides feeling like they've been beaten up pretty well, and I think this one did that,&quot; said Council Member Carsten Hohnke, D-5th Ward
Well, thank god the council and the DDA are feeling like they've been beaten up. Now, what about the countless visitors, students and business people that go to downtown Ann Arbor? Honestly, with the economy in the tank and the jobless rate in Michigan at record numbers, do the politicians think that raising rates for anything is the right answer!?!? Oh, wait...I guess they do.
Simply incredulous!

Elno Lewis

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 1:21 p.m.

I am so glad, Ms. Lowenstien that you are doing this so 'gradually' that I will not notice I am being fleeced.
Even more reason not to go downtown. Who does this Downtown Development Authority actually work for anyway?

Steve

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 12:54 p.m.

&quot;Downtown Ann Arbor parking rates and enforcement hours likely to change&quot;
Shouldn't this be titled, &quot;Downtown Ann Arbor parking rates and enforcement will be increasing&quot;. Does anyone really think that rates in any of the areas will decrease? A better question would be in 2022, if/when the city is smart enough to not sign a contract extention, will they revert to affordable parking prices and normal, easy to follow parking times as is the case now, or keep them at what surely will be an outragous amount in 10 years? And have to pay to park at 11pm on Friday night. If the DDA just wants to attract wealth into downtown and slowly but surely drive out creative culture enriching people, they are right on track!
This is nothing more than a power grab. What is the longer term vision of this city? Do we want to turn into a Grand Rapids or a Detroit sized city? If people wanted a city like that, they'd move there, or an equivalent. I vote to keep this city size manageable and attractive to bright people, not just those with the financial means to pay $20/hour to park in front of the Chop house.

MikeC

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 12:53 p.m.

...and this is why people start voting for republicans.
I remember trying to feed one of those computerized meters at 5:30pm in the winter and there wasn't even enough light to see the keypad. I'm sure some passerbyers got a laugh when they saw me pull out my cell phone and turn the screen on for light.

BigMike

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 12:49 p.m.

This story is a clear indication of almost everything that can be wrong with local government. Mark my words, if this complex boondoggle goes through, there will be a major failure of the system within 2 years.

bruceae

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 12:36 p.m.

Isn't this group supposed to PROMOTE business in downtown Ann Arbor? When I go to their website there is only one member, Keith Orr (aut BAR and Common Language Bookstore) that actually has a business and financial stake in the financial success of the downtown area. The rest of the members all work for organizations that live off tax payer's money. Where are the business owners on all of this? Aren't they the least bit concerned that this is going to drive resturant and bar business away from the city center and out to areas with free parking? I know we usually eat downtown at least 2 times a week and the very FIRST time I have to pay for parking after 6:00 p.m. it will be the last time I spend money and support this area.

dogpaddle

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 12:36 p.m.

DDA says they won't make changes without public input? Here's mine: if parking enforcement is extended to meters on evenings and Sundays, I'm less likely to do business Downtown. I was excited for the new Wednesday Farmer's Market partially due to its convenient time but also because as someone commented, I don't have to have scramble for change. There are other activities and shopping I do Downtown either on evenings or Sundays because of ease of parking. I hate malls and usually avoid them but in addition to their draw of having hundreds of shops under one roof, I assure you their popularity is also due to acres of FREE parking. I love our Downtown because it offers a variety of necessities and entertainment within a few blocks and allows us to have a one of the country's few vibrant down towns where residents still go to on a regular basis for all sorts of reasons, not just for those who have to work there 9-5, M-F. Don't ruin it for the rest of us. I know and totally understand our tough economic times and things need to change. I'm not opposed to raising the fees a gradual amount at meters and the paid lots which I also use when I do need to be Downtown during peak times and have to use them.

ClaireRobinson

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 12:35 p.m.

&quot;So we're going to a much more complex system, and the system is going to be very integrated and very dependent on every part of the system,&quot; Hewitt said.
Ummm... what? The complex system is going to be very integrated and dependent on every part of itself?
This could be an alternate definition of obfuscate, right next to the current definition: to be evasive, unclear, or confusing.

Mich Res and Alum

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 12:20 p.m.

This is pretty awful...
I love how they say they will extend parking times to 9pm (when people are often out for dinner), but a willing to give you a free hour... at 8 AM!!!! When nobody has a need to park downtown. Ridiculous.
This isn't as complex as they make it seem. They are going to gouge prices during prime hours. That's it. They just want our money.

Mike D.

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 12:07 p.m.

Higher, variable rates are a good thing because you might actually be able to find a spot. And the payment boxes are far more convenient because you don't have to carry around a jangling pocket full of change. If the machines are too complicated for you, this is the least of your worries; you're going to die of starvation anyhow for lack of ability to operate the You-Scan at Kroger.
The people complaining about the DDA and saying that appointed bodies have no accountability and should be abolished don't seem to realize that most high-dollar, long-term agencies are run by appointed officials. In fact, one of the most vocal and vociferous detractors of the DDA on A2.com (and in this very thread) appears to be employed by none other than the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs, which just happens to be run by a presidential appointee.
Talk to anyone with actual urban planning experience and you'll hear that graduated parking pricing and sufficient deck parking are good things for Ann Arbor's long-term density and vitality. If that's not your bag, if you think endless sprawl is the answer, then by all means oppose any and all progressive measures.

Maxwell

Fri, Jun 3, 2011 : 1:30 a.m.

I live in the city five blocks away from the last meters. The street parking on my block starts filling up at 8am and usually empties out before 7pm. The DDA parking policies drive commuters to park for free on the outskirts of downtown. Other than game days I have not seen a parking structure full downtown.
All I see the DDA doing is supporting the local property owners at the expense of independent retailers and near downtown residents. If the DDA was progressive maybe they would have supported a downtown park instead of pushing for a publicly subsidized conference center that no one wanted other than their pals the landed restauranteurs.
With the DDA its never about quality of life for residents but rather its all about quantity of rent for their keepers the land owners.

loves_fall

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 12:37 p.m.

You can find a spot now, no problem.

Wolf's Bane

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 11:45 a.m.

I'm curious to know how much research and money was spent by the DDA acquiring these new 'meters' ? In lieu of the City Council now being shut out, the DDA has in effect deregulated itself which we all know works so well in this country, e.g. banks, mortgage companies etc.
Thank heavens; I don't have to pay for parking in downtown.

Carole

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 11:41 a.m.

Hear the citizens words mayor and council -- this is the most disgusting thing I have heard to date. If DDA does not have more important items or tasks to tend to other than making parking in and around Ann Arbor more closely and more complex, perhaps they should be closed down. Why should the citizens of Ann Arbor support their offices/staff when the funds could be put to better use such as keeping our AAFD and AAPD forces intact. Election time will be coming soon -- surely hope most are boosted out and hopefully we can get back on tract with what is important in this city --

Stephen Lange Ranzini

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 11:26 a.m.

Downtown residents and business owners have raised serious concerns about extending parking meter charges beyond 6pm, but now the DDA can do it despite our objections. Awful!!

Cossur

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 10:47 a.m.

Yep, the new system will certainly encourage me to park in the outskirts, specifically, my own driveway. I'll stick with online shopping and home-cooked meals.
I have successfully used the new pay box system exactly once. On two other occasions the box malfunctioned. Raising rates will discourage me from going downtown at all. As others have already said, more complexity is just what the doctor ordered--Dr. Kevorkian, that is.

Domey

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 10:47 a.m.

Great, let's take *more* power over our lives and put it in the hands of people who are appointed (not elected, not accountable, and have only corporate interests in mind). One step closer to total *corpogovernment* control. Your rights, I mean the ones you used to have, that once were protected by that dirty old piece of paper the U.S. Constitution, are being parsed out and sold to the highest bidder. Of course, I use the term &quot;highest bidder&quot; very loosely since no actual bidding is usually done. Get ready for your &quot;personal identification tattoo&quot; which, of course, will only be used for your own protection.

Will Warner

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 2:52 a.m.

It's just an impression, but I think things are better now that Republic Parking is running parking for the city. The facilities seem better managed and maintained, and their employees are eager to please.

aareader

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 2:31 a.m.

Apparently this DDA does not understand the KISS option.
Too many complicated fees mean just one thing for me... and most likely many other folks.
I/we will be enjoying activities in places other than AA.

A2comments

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 8:25 p.m.

Well said.

mtlaurel

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 12:54 a.m.

Mess about with the wallets of Ann Arbor residents...seriously now? Or taking advantage of out of town, transients who won't know the situation till they arrive...too bad..gotta pay...What is the purpose of the DDA...you need a title like this for a group to create ways to extract money from unsuspecting people for tricky parking . You're trying to mimic a big city..well I was in boston-parked a ways out and got an all day pass-covered train and buses-unlimited. This is never going to happen here-demand and volume of people is not that great. Better off with FREE parking in downtown.

1bit

Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 11:11 p.m.

If ever there were a reason to recall council members, this is it!
They have just created a hidden tax that is completely variable and devised by unaccountable unelected officials. Now, the City and DDA cronies can raise rates whenever they want, for whatever reason they want and point fingers at each other.
I think ERMG's comment about dissolving the DDA understates the problem. The City Council should be dissolved as well and we should start from scratch.

1bit

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 12:40 a.m.

The problem is we have a single party system here in A2. The &quot;election&quot; occurs when the Democrats choose their candidates. Yes, the DDA is even worse.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 11:30 p.m.

You get to &quot;dissolve&quot; the city council every election cycle.
No one elects these yahoos.
Good Night and Good Luck

johnnya2

Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 11:06 p.m.

So now when I go to park I never know what it is going to cost? This is absolute crap. The worst part is this PRIVATE group the DDA, has the authority ANS city paid employees giving out parking tickets. What a load of crap. This is PUBLIC parking and should be run SOLELY by the city. Privatization of this kind of thing is ridiculous.

djm12652

Wed, Jun 8, 2011 : 12:10 p.m.

I agree with you for the most part, but it's been shown that the City is incapable of running the parking syste.

glacialerratic

Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 10:50 p.m.

What a mess--this is wrong-headed in so many ways it makes one dizzy. The Council's abdicated again, hiding behind the DDA. How convenient. How can people manage their decisions about where to park if the rate-setting system is too complex to explain? And where's the transparency--what are we paying for when we feed the DDA's meters?

Dalex64

Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 10:44 p.m.

Did they do an economic impact study and determine that higher rates, longer enforcement hours, and a complex rate-setting system is good for the downtown economy?
As good as the 2% tax for the arts? Where was that economic impact study, by the way, I would like to compare them.

Galileo2000

Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 9:39 p.m.

What's interesting is that the City caved to the DDA, which they ultimately control, while also agreeing to reduce the headcounts in police and fire departments. It just seems that the priorities are all mixed up. The DDA is now on a path to rape the citizens and everyone else even more with higher parking fees so that they can build ever bigger Taj Mahal's ... except that who is going to keep these safe. A clear number one should be the safety of the citizens, students and visitors to Ann Arbor, by BOTH the DDA and the City. If they can't work together to ensure this, close down the DDA and vote out the members of the City Council ... and the Mayor who, by the way, happens to appoint all members of the DDA. I'm surpised that the people of Ann Arbor put up with this kind of behavior. Safety has to be number 1. Put another way, are you all happy that Ann Arbor just got to be a bit more dangerous place to live or visit ... and while paying more to park? Shouldn't any increased parking revenue go directly to saving police and fire jobs? For being the great City Ann Arbor is, is just has some dumb people in control!

leaguebus

Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 9:35 p.m.

I guess that if the Chinese can do so well without elected officials, why not AA? When I email my council person about some problem that I had with the parking system, they can hold their hands up in the air and say, its the DDA's problem, not mine!

Tom Joad

Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 9:12 p.m.

I'm going to propose something radical that would be a boon for retailers and drivers alike: FREE PARKING. Yes, have you ever been to Palo Alto? FREE PARKING, for two hours, then they slap a ticket on your windshield if you don't move.
They don't have unsightly parking meters blanketing the streets. Parking enforcement officers carry a scanner that take your license plate number and logs your start time. When they resweep the area two hours later, if you're still there you get a ticket. You pay it you're done. This type of system is eminently more sophisticated and encourages commerce.
What's also a nice side-effect to scanning the plates is that if your current registration is expired they will tow your car away, thus making the streets safer.

Steph B

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 6:35 p.m.

Abso-friggin-lutely!

Carole

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 11:49 a.m.

I say yes also to some free parking -- what a boost to the businesses downtown if folks could come down, park free for a couple of hours, and enjoy themselves. While at farmers market on Sunday, it is always a pleasure to inform folks parking there that it is free on Sunday -- hip, hip hooray.
And, oh yes, who is going to be checking these expired meters etc. -- there will be a shortage of AAPD folks as well.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 8:31 p.m.

I certainly am glad that we have given even more power to this unelected and unaccountable body.
--a body that decided to build an underground parking structure for which there is no foreseeable need
--body that takes tax dollars away from entities that need them (e.g., AAPS, WCC, AADL) so that it can have its pool of play money for its own pet projects
--a body that profits $7 million on its operation of the city's parking structures and that receives nearly $4 million in tax &quot;capture&quot; revenue, and yet will run a nearly $6 million deficit this year.
--a bod that appears not to understand that it will not serve the interests of the city to have drastic cuts to city services.
Time to dissolve the unelected and unaccountable DDA.
Good Night and Good Luck

Wolf's Bane

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 11:48 a.m.

Well put, as usual Edward R Murrow's Ghost.

aareader

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 2:35 a.m.

Sadly, I believe you are correct in your assessment of the situation Arrrg.

Snehal

Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 8:24 p.m.

More reasons fo rme to avoid downtown. Sorry farmer's market, I cannot come to you due to no free parking.

Wolf's Bane

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 11:47 a.m.

Yes, we park off Miller (Water Hill neighborhood) and walk to the market. Its free and the neighborhood is beautiful!

Adam Jaskiewicz

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 10:49 a.m.

There's often a space or two along Fifth or Beakes. If not, many of the nearby neighborhoods have parking if you're willing to walk a few blocks.

Alan Goldsmith

Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 8:04 p.m.

&quot;Council Member Sandi Smith, D-1st Ward and a DDA board member, said she liked the transfer of powers to the DDA because it helps ensure election year politics don't drive decisions about the city's parking system.&quot;
And perhaps it's a nice shield for political leaders who are gutless in taking the heat for bad votes. Ms. Smith, it's called democracy. Look it up on wikipedia sometime.

sellers

Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 8:01 p.m.

One of the reasons for urban sprawl is the cost of doing business in a downtown, parking, and ease of access. Ann Arbor still has a vibrant downtown, one of the best and most active in Michigan. Our urban sprawl for a city of our size is very small in comparison, I hope this does not backfire.
DDA - if you want to increase enforcement, you may want to think about a parking device that is radio driven (ala EZPass, I-Zoom, iPass, etc) and offer a $.75/hr rate and people just put the device on their dash, and it connects to an auto-negotiated meter box and autopays.

Plubius

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 3:56 p.m.

Just what we need - big brother knowing our every move...

Bertha Venation

Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 7:59 p.m.

Yet another way for the city to &quot;do us over&quot; without even a kiss!

leezee

Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 7:46 p.m.

I had to laugh when my mother commented the other day that the meters in Grosse Pointe are 25 cents for an hour. When she realized didn't have any change for parking recently, an employee from the business she was going to came out and fed her meter. I can't image Ann Arbor ever having been that cheap OR that anyone would offer to feed a meter here.

djm12652

Wed, Jun 8, 2011 : 12:04 p.m.

we often go out and feed meters for our customers as well as parking validation. It's all about taking care of our customers.

loves_fall

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 12:32 p.m.

I sometimes feed people's empty meters if I see someone coming over to write a ticket and they haven't already been chalked.

Stephen Landes

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 3:54 a.m.

you haven't met my barber...

loves_fall

Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 7:38 p.m.

What a disaster.

djm12652

Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 7:31 p.m.

So if the DDA transfers 17% back to the city for um, revenues generated by city property, where exactly is the other 83%? How much of the $15.8 million [give or take] goes to Republic Parking? How much to the DDA payroll and so on...I know the city is totally incapable of managing the parking, but why doesn't all of the revenue over expenses get turned over to the city...please I'm just an ignorant resident, not someone appointed to a huge board position....yet I pay and pay and pay. Are the expenses meticously recorded, unlike the city credit cards? If so where is the statement available?

djm12652

Wed, Jun 8, 2011 : 12:02 p.m.

@Michael, your logic is refreshing, however, it may very well be against the law to think through a situation rather than the A2 way of using emotional resolution tactics....and never question those that &quot;care&quot; more than any of us....
haha

Michael Christie

Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 9:31 p.m.

I'd love to know what this unelected groups payroll is. I bet most of them are over six figures. The mayor appoints this group, no wonder the average intellegence is what it is.
Keep electing the democrats and this city will continue to give away money. We have the control, but most of us aren't using it properly when we vote.
The DDA should be shut down and control this activity to an elected group that can be managed by votes.

Vivienne Armentrout

Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 7:26 p.m.

A question: if the rates change for meters according to time of day, will coins still be accepted? How will a user know what is required? I confess that I have avoided all the new-style parking meters so am unfamiliar with their operation.

bunnyabbot

Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 7:15 p.m.

&quot;So we're going to a much more complex system...&quot;
pretty much if someone states that the system will be complex you can bet we arn't going to like it. They raised the rates to $1.20, how about then that becomes the curve and what they raise above that they lower for the cheaper neighborhoods. That is $1.80 to park in prime area and .60cents in cheap, or $1.80 for the lower levels of a deck and 60c for the top of the deck. That would be fair but I highly doubt fair will be in the mix. The $1.20 will be the bottom price and the premiums much higher. Then they will slowly creep up the parking rates again within a few years. It's all a scam. Now a special interest group will be dictating parking rates but have to answer to no one.
horrible.

Maxwell

Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 7:14 p.m.

&quot;Multiple council members expressed concerns Tuesday night about relinquishing its parking decision-making power to the DDA, an unelected body appointed by the mayor.&quot;
Yet the vote was unanimous?
So they managed to set up a giant slush fund to support private developers with what SHOULD be the tax payer's dollars.
Talk about lip service! Spineless and pathetic.
Throw the bums OUT!

Sebastian

Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 7:09 p.m.

I have had to explain and facilitate the usage of the new meters to nine confused senior citizens and a couple of befuddled foreigners so far and would therefore personally appreciate a substantial cut for all the public service &amp; education.

Phil Dokas

Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 7:04 p.m.

Thank heavens our cries for &quot;much more complexity&quot; have finally been heard! Our national nightmare is finally over!